The Science of Attention

In the age of constant notifications, our ability to maintain Sustained Attention is eroding. The Concentration Level Test is a gamified variant of the "Psychomotor Vigilance Task" (PVT). It forces you to maintain a state of high alert and respond rapidly to unpredictable stimuli, providing a mirror for your current cognitive state.

What Are We Measuring?

Reaction Time

The time between stimulus (target appearing) and response (click).

  • < 250ms: Superhuman
  • ~400ms: Average
  • > 700ms: Distracted

Vigilance

The ability to maintain consistent performance over time.

  • consistency is key. Look at your chart - are the bars flat or erratic?

Impulsivity

Measured by your "Missclicks".

  • Clicking before you verify targets indicates an "Error of Commission" or lack of inhibition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this test measure?
It measures two key aspects of concentration: Reaction Time (how quickly your brain processes a stimulus) and Sustained Attention (your ability to maintain focus over time without error, also known as vigilance).
What is a good reaction time?
The average visual reaction time for humans is around 250ms. However, in a grid choice task like this which requires spatial processing, anything under 600ms is considered sharp.
Why does my score drop over time?
This is called the "Vigilance Decrement". Maintaining high-alert focus consumes significant neural energy (glucose). As your brain fatigues, your reaction times slow down, usually after just a few minutes of intense focus.
Does sleep affect my score?
Massively. Sleep deprivation mimics the effects of alcohol intoxication on reaction time. If you are sleep-deprived, you will likely see "micro-lapses" where your reaction time spikes to >1000ms.
Can I train to improve my concentration?
Yes. "Neuroplasticity" means your brain can adapt. Regular practice with high-speed reaction tasks, combined with meditation and aerobic exercise, has been shown to improve baseline attention spans.
What is a Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT)?
PVT is a gold-standard scientific test used by NASA and the military to assess fatigue. It involves pressing a button as soon as a stimulus appears. This tool is a gamified variant of that concept.
Why did I get a penalty point?
Clicking an empty square counts as an error of commission (impulsivity). It means you anticipated the target rather than reacting to it, or you simply lost spatial control.
Does caffeine help?
Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors, temporarily preventing you from feeling sleepy. This can improve reaction time in the short term, but it is not a substitute for actual rest.
Is this test accurate for ADHD?
While people with ADHD often show higher variability in reaction times, this tool is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not a medical diagnostic tool.
How do I use Fullscreen mode?
Click the "Maximize" icon in the top right of the game grid. This removes browser distractions, allowing for a purer test of your visual reflexes.